The Brewers, who were previously unbeaten, were angered by the red-card incident, believing Kitson should also have been sent off for pushing Sharps.

The hosts edged possession but struggled to create chances against a well-organised Oxford side who were content to sit back once they had gone ahead.

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Burton Albion manager Gary Rowett told BBC Radio Derby:

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Post-match: Burton manager Rowett

"I felt we were in control in the first half. I know we hadn't created an awful lot, but we were definitely in control. But whatever way you want to look at it, one decision changed the match.

"I've seen the incident again. If you're going to red card Ian Sharps for a kick which didn't look particularly violent in my opinion, then surely, I thought in the rules of the game it says that if you raise both hands to push someone, it's a red card.

"I'm not suggesting that it was worthy of a red card, but in the laws of the game, I hear it all the time. Once you raise your hands, you leave yourself with no option but to send the player off. By not doing that, I just thought it changed everything."